Jan 29, 2008

Union membership in the United States increased to 15.7 million in 2007 – an increase of 311,000 members – making 2007 single-year increase in membership since 1979, according to a report released last week by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

These numbers are a reflection of workers' enthusiasm to unionize. According to research by Peter Hart Research Associates, more than half of all workers – about 60 million people – say they would join a union today if given the chance.

Service industry jobs reported the largest percentage of growth, specifically health services, which added 142,000 new members. Significant gains were also made among women and Latino workers.

Women are exercising their voice in the workplace, accounting for more than 44 percent of union membership. And Latino workers are seeing the rewards of unionizing in the place it matters most – their wallets. Average weekly pay for unionized Latino workers was 51 percent more than their non-unionized counterparts.

The news is good, but not enough to rest and celebrate victory. Wondering what you can do? Contact your congressional representatives and press for the passing of the Employee Free Choice Act, which would reform broken labor laws and help restore the working class. Or contact your local union and ask about organizing opportunities.

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